Oborewori debunks alleged sack by appeal court

By Sunday Onye, Senior Correspondent

There was palpable fear in Delta State on Thursday following the rumour that the Court of Appeal Abuja Judicial Division has nullified the election of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and ordered that the Appellant, the Labour Party Governorship candidate, Mr. Ken Pela as the winner of the election.

The news filtered round the state at about 12.30 pm causing serious tension within the political atmosphere of the People’s Democracy Party.

However, there was huge jubilation among the faithfuls of the opposition parties in the state.

But the governor, in a swift response, debunked the rumour, stating that he was not sacked by the appeal court, adding that the court only ordered for a retrial of the already decided tribunal judgement between him and the candidate of the Labour party.

In a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary CPS, Sir Festus Ahon, urged the members of the state and supporters of the governor to be calmed, saying that the rumour is a figment of the imagination of mischief makers.

The statement reads, “We have been inundated by reports from a section of the media that the Appeal Court had declared Mr Ken Pela of the Labour Party as winner of the 2023 Governorship election in Delta State.

“The report is nothing but fake news as the Appellate Court only ordered the tribunal to hear the case.

“From the results declared by the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), it was obvious that the Labour Party did not win the election therefore couldn’t have won in court.

“Our people came out in large numbers to elect Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and they are happy with him. We therefore urge Party faithful and Deltans to disregard the said reports as it was a concoction from the Labour Party and their followers.

“We also urge Deltans to remain calm. As at the time of the fake news, Governor Oborevwori was busy inspecting various ongoing projects within Asaba and its environs. He is focused on delivering dividends of democracy to the people of the state and would not be distracted by the rumour mills.

“Our lawyers are studying the Appeal Court judgment with a view to taking necessary action,” he added.